Case for a hand held device

ABSTRACT

A housing assembly for a mobile device includes a cover formed from optically transmissive material, and opaque material formed over a portion of the cover. The opaque material is arranged to define a display portion which is optically transmissive. The housing assembly further includes a frame sized to receive the cover, and a first housing structured to couple with the frame, such that the cover, the frame, and the first housing are structured to define an enclosure sized to contain electrical components for the mobile device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit ofearlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No.10-2006-0028094, filed on Mar. 28, 2006, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile device, and in particular to ahousing assembly for a mobile device.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a related art mobile device having afirst body 110 slideably coupled to second body 120. The first bodyincludes outer case 114, which is structured to receive display window112 and auxiliary key pad 116. The display window cooperates with anunderlying display, and the auxiliary keypad permits user input andoperation of various functions of the mobile device. The second bodyincludes main keypad 122, which is designed to receive input from auser.

Display window 112 and auxiliary keypad 116 are typically mounted asseparate components in outer case 114. However, the manufacturing andassembly process is complicated because these elements are separatecomponents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized andattained by the structure particularly pointed out in the writtendescription and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

In accordance with an embodiment, a housing assembly for a mobile deviceincludes a cover formed from optically transmissive material, and opaquematerial formed over a portion of the cover. The opaque material isarranged to define a display portion which is optically transmissive.The housing assembly further includes a frame sized to receive thecover, and a first housing structured to couple with the frame, suchthat the cover, the frame, and the first housing are structured todefine an enclosure sized to contain electrical components for themobile device.

In one aspect, the housing assembly further includes an input portionintegrated with the cover. The input portion has a plurality ofoptically transmissive input regions, each defined by portions of theopaque material.

In one aspect, each of the plurality of optically transmissive inputregions is shaped to define at least one of a character, symbol, andnumber.

In another aspect, the housing assembly further includes a touch padpositioned relative to a bottom side of the cover. The touch padincludes a separate light guide associated with each of the plurality ofoptically transmissive input regions.

In one feature, the housing assembly further includes at least one lightsource positioned relative to a bottom side of the touch pad. Each lightsource is associated with one or more of the light guides to providelight to the plurality of optically transmissive input regions.

In another feature, the housing assembly further includes a plurality oftactile elements projecting from the cover and individually associatedwith one of the plurality of optically transmissive input regions.

In yet another feature, the cover is shaped to define an opening, andthe user input assembly is positioned relative to the cover,substantially covering the opening.

In one aspect, the user input assembly includes a plurality of keysstructured to individually generate signals responsive to user contact.

In accordance with another aspect, the cover is shaped to define aplurality of openings, and the housing assembly further includes aplurality of keys each operatively associated with one of the pluralityof openings of the cover, such that each of the plurality of keysindividually generate signals responsive to user contact.

As another example, each of the plurality of keys includes one of apush-type key and a scroll-type key.

In yet another example, the housing assembly further includes a displaylocated within the enclosure and positioned relative to the cover suchthat the display is operatively associated with the display portion.

In still yet another example, the housing assembly further includes amounting surface located along a perimeter of the frame and sized toreceive a bottom edge of the cover, a plurality of pins located on oneof the cover or the mounting surface, and a plurality of pin receptacleslocated on a different one of the cover or the mounting surface. Theplurality of pin receptacles positioned to correspond to the pluralityof pins and being sized to fixedly receive an associated one of theplurality of pins.

In one aspect, the housing assembly further includes adhesive forcoupling the cover with the frame.

In yet another feature, the housing assembly further includes a secondhousing having a key pad, while the first housing is structured topermit relative motion between the first housing and the second housing.

In still yet another feature, each of the cover and the frame areindividually shaped to define cooperating openings which are operativelyassociated with a speaker.

In another aspect, one of the frame, the cover, and the first housing,is shaped to define an opening which is operatively associated with amicrophone.

In accordance with another aspect, the housing assembly further includesan input portion integrated with the cover. The input portion having aplurality of optically transmissive input regions, each defined byportions of the opaque material. The housing assembly also includes atouch pad positioned relative to a bottom side of the cover, the touchpad having a separate light guide associated with each of the pluralityof optically transmissive input regions, and at least one light sourcepositioned relative to a bottom side of the touch pad. Each light sourceis associated with one or more of the plurality of light guides toprovide light to the plurality of optically transmissive input regions.

In accordance with an aspect, the opaque material comprises either anopaque film or an in-mold injection opaque film.

If desired, the enclosure is sized to contain a communication module forwireless communication.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment, a housing assembly for amobile device includes a first housing formed from opticallytransmissive material, and which has a wall extending along a perimeterof the first housing. Opaque material is formed over a portion of thefirst housing, the opaque material being arranged to define a displayportion which is optically transmissive. A coupling structure is locatedon an inner portion of the first housing, and a second housing is usedto couple with the first housing via the coupling structure. The firstand second housings define an enclosure sized to contain electricalcomponents for the mobile device.

These and other embodiments will also become readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following detailed description of theembodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention notbeing limited to any particular embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that arereferenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same,equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance withone or more embodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a related art mobile device having afirst body slideably coupled to second body;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a slide-type mobile device in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first body of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of several components of the first body ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first body taken along line 5-5of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a first body in accordancewith an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first body taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first body shown in FIG.7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first body taken along line 7-7of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a slide-type mobile device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a housing assembly in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the housing assembly taken alongline 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a cover in accordance with anotheralternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cover in accordance with yetanother alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

First of all, specific examples of slide-type mobile devices will bedescribed, but such teachings apply equally to other types of mobiledevices. Accordingly, the various teachings of the present disclosuremay be implemented using, for example, slide-type, bar-type,folding-type, and swivel-type, mobile devices.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of slide-type mobile device 10 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Mobile device 10includes first body 30 and second body 20. The first body is structuredto define an enclosure to contain various electrical componentsnecessary for the mobile device. In particular, first body 30 includescover 32, frame 34, and housing 31. The frame is sized to receive cover32. Typically, opaque material is formed over a portion of the coversuch that the opaque material is arranged to define an opticallytransmissive display portion 40. The display portion is located on thecover to cooperate with an underlying display.

If desired, cover 32 may further include an integrated input portion.For instance, the cover may include a plurality of opticallytransmissive input regions 42. Similar to display portion 40, each ofthe input regions may be defined or bounded by portions of the opaquematerial formed over the cover.

Speaker aperture 44 is shown formed on one end of cover 32, whilemicrophone aperture 45 is shown formed in the wall of frame 34. Theseelements respectively cooperate with an underlying speaker andmicrophone (not shown in this figure).

Second body 20 includes main key pad 22, which is designed to receiveinput from a user. The second body may also include a communicationmodule (not shown) for transmitting and receiving signals, and a mainprinted circuit board (not shown) in which the communication module ismounted.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the first body of FIG. 2. Thisfigure shows display 12 and touch pad 14, which may be positioned withinfirst body 10. Coupling of cover 32 and frame 34 may be accomplishedusing, for example, adhesive 60. The adhesive may be positioned onmounting surface 52, which is shown located along an inner perimeter ofthe frame. Coupling of housing 31 and frame 34 may be accomplishedusing, for example, cooperating pins and pin receptacles.

For instance, as shown in FIG. 3, several pin receptacles 55 arepositioned on an interior region of housing 31. These pin receptaclescooperate with pins and pin receptacles located on the bottom side offrame 34 (not shown in this figure). After assembly, display 12 ispositioned relative to display portion 40, and touch pad 14 ispositioned relative to a bottom side of input regions 42.

Touch pad 14 may be implemented using conventional touch padtechnologies which are capable of detecting user manipulation or othercontact with an associated one or more of input regions 42. During use,the touch pad generates signals which may be communicated to a printedcircuit board, for example. Touch pad 14 may be positioned relative tothe bottom side of cover 32 using known techniques (e.g., adhesive,tape, and the like). Suitable touch pads include, for example,pressure-sensitive touch pads, capacitance touch pads, and the like.

Touch pad 14 may also include one or more strategically located lightguides 15. As shown, each light guide 15 is associated with anindividual input region 42 of the cover. As an example, the touch padmay be shaped to define an aperture which forms an individual lightguide. In an embodiment, one or more light sources 16 may be positionedrelative to the bottom side of touch pad 14. If desired, the lightsources may be directly coupled to the touch pad. Light guides 15 areoften implemented to permit light provided by light sources 16 to passthrough touch pad 14, and consequently, optically transmissive inputregions 42. If desired, optically transmissive material may be formedwithin some or all of the light guides. This feature enhances thestructural integrity of the touch pad.

Light sources 16 may be implemented using known devices and structureswhich can provide light at the wavelength of interest to one or moreinput regions 42. Typical light sources include light emitting diodes(LEDs) and vertical surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), among others.

It is notable that light emitted by light sources 16 is notunnecessarily hindered by structures, which is common in conventionalassemblies. More specifically, light emitted by light sources 16 reachesinput regions 42 relatively unimpeded. This reduces the number of neededlight sources, which consequently reduces the power requirements of theassembly.

Although possible, it is not necessary for each input region 42 to havean associated light source 16. In general, the number of light sourcesis fewer than the number of input regions. In some implementations, asingle light source provides sufficient light to all input regions.Maximum light to the touch keys may be achieved by positioning eachlight source relatively close to an associated light guide 15.

Frame 34 is shown having speaker aperture 50, which corresponds withaperture 44 of cover 32. Both apertures are arranged to cooperate withspeaker 51.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of several components of first body 10 ofFIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first body takenalong line 5-5 of FIG. 4. Note that housing 31 has been omitted fromthese figures for clarity.

In accordance with an embodiment, cover 32 is shown being substantiallyplanar, with display portion 40 and input regions 42 being integrallyformed in the cover. Cover 32 may be formed from any suitably ridgedmaterial which is optically transmissive. Methyl methacrylate polymer isone example of material that may be used for the cover. In addition,frame 34 may be formed of a polycarbonate material which has high impactstrength and heat resistance. Cover 32 is typically formed from adifferent material than that used for frame 34, but this is not arequirement.

In an embodiment, cover 32 is formed from transparent material 36, andopaque material 38 is positioned on a surface of the transparentmaterial. Input regions 42 and display portion 40 may be defined asareas of the cover which do not include the opaque material. Incidentlight will be transmitted by optically transmissive regions of thecover, and will not be transmitted by the portions of the cover whichinclude the opaque material. Various types, shapes, and numbers of touchkeys may therefore be formed using this technique.

If desired, opaque material 38 may be coated on the surface oftransparent member 36 as part of an in-mold injection process. In-moldinjection can reduce the number of steps necessary to form cover 32,offering increased manufacturing efficiency and lower production costs.Each of the optically transmissive input regions may be shaped to defineone or more of a character, a symbol, and a number, among others.

If desired, one or more input regions 42 may be structured using atactile element projecting from the cover. Each of these tactileelements may be individually associated with one of the input regions.

Tactile elements enhance the user's ability to interact with the inputregions. The tactile elements may be formed in a variety of differentshapes (e. g., circular, triangular, rectagonal, polygonal, star-like,and the like), as needed or desired. The opaque material may be formedover the tactile elements, or such material can be omitted from theseelements so that they remain optically transmissive.

As an alternative to the use of adhesive 60 (or as a technique toenhance the effectiveness of the adhesive) coupling of cover 32 andframe 34 may be accomplished using cooperating pins and pin receptacles.For instance, cover 32 is shown having pins 56, which may be positionedaround the perimeter of cover 32 in such a manner that they operativelycouple with corresponding pin receptacles 58 of frame 34. Coupling offrame 34 to housing 31 may also be accomplished by cooperating pins andpin receptacles. For instance, pins may be used with pin receptacles 54(frame 32) and pin receptacles 55 (housing 31).

A body for a mobile device in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the present invention will be described in conjunction with FIGS.6-9. In particular, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a firstbody, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first body taken alongline 7-7 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the firstbody shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the firstbody taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

As shown, first body 69 includes first housing 70 and second housing 71.The first housing may be formed from optically transmissive material (aspreviously described) and typically includes wall 80 which extends alonga perimeter of the housing. Coupling structure 78 is shown located on aninner portion of this wall of the first housing. The coupling structure78 may be used to couple the first and second housings. The couplingstructure may be formed within first housing 70 using, for example,double injection molding techniques. Double injection is beneficial inthis regard since it reduces processing steps, offering increasedmanufacturing efficiency and lower production costs.

Wall 80 may be sized so that it extends past coupling structure 78. Thispermits the concealment of the coupling structure when the first andsecond housings 70, 71, are assembled. Typically, coupling structure 78and first housing 70 are formed from different materials, but this isnot a requirement.

First housing 70 may be formed from optically transmissive material 36onto which opaque material 38 has been introduced. Materials 36 and 38may be implemented using any of the techniques previously described. Asa result, optically transmissive input regions 42 and display region 40may thus be formed. Coupling structure may be formed using, for example,polycarbonate material.

Coupling of first and second housings 70, 71, may be accomplished usingcooperating pins and pin receptacles. For instance, pin receptacles 79are shown formed in coupling structure 78. Second housing 71 hascorresponding pin receptacles 73 formed along various locations of theinterior perimeter. The first and second housings can thus be assembledusing pins which cooperate with the various pin receptacles of thesehousings.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a slide-type mobile device 89 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is across-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10. The embodimentof FIGS. 10 and 11 is similar in many respects to that which is depictedin FIGS. 2-5. One difference relates to the user interface implemented.In particular, cover 32 of mobile device 89 is shaped to define aplurality of openings 90. A corresponding plurality of keys 92 areindividually associated with one of the plurality of openings of thecover. Each of the keys (e.g., push-type, wheel-type, and the like) isstructured to individually generate signals responsive to user contact,such as by pressing or other manipulation. Alternatives includeproviding multiple keys for a single opening, and the use of only oneopening sized to receive one or more keys. An advantage of theseembodiments is that a separate key assembly (or assemblies) may be usedin conjunction with cover 32.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a housing assembly in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectionalview of the housing assembly taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12. Theembodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 is similar in many respects to that whichis depicted in FIGS. 6-9. One difference relates to the user interfaceimplemented.

For instance, first housing 70 is shaped to define a plurality ofopenings 90. A corresponding plurality of keys 92 is associated with oneof the plurality of openings of the cover. Each of the keys (e.g.,push-type, wheel-type, and the like) is structured to individuallygenerate signals responsive to user contact, such as by pressing orother manipulation. Alternatives include providing multiple keys for asingle opening, and the use of only one opening sized to receive one ormore keys. Note that first housing 70 is typically configured with asuitable housing, such as second housing 71 (FIG. 6).

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of cover 150 in accordance withanother alternative embodiment of the present invention. This example issimilar is some respects to the cover depicted in FIG. 5. One differenceis that coupling of cover 150 is facilitated by pin receptacles 162,which are located along a walled portion of the cover. These pinreceptacles may be positioned around the perimeter of cover 150 in sucha manner that they operatively couple, via pins, with corresponding pinreceptacles located in a lower housing (e.g., second housing 71 of FIG.6).

Coupling of cover 150 is facilitated by pin receptacles 162, which arelocated along a walled portion of the cover. These pin receptacles maybe positioned around the perimeter of cover 150 in such a manner thatthey operatively couple, via pins, with corresponding pin receptacleslocated in a lower housing (e.g., second housing 71 of FIG. 6). Ifdesired, one or more input regions 42 may be structured as a tactileelement projecting from the cover. Examples of such tactile elements aredenoted as elements 160.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of cover 170 in accordance with yetanother alternative embodiment. This example is similar is some respectsto the cover depicted in FIG. 14. One difference is that the inputregions 42 of the cover of FIG. 14 have been replaced with key buttons92. For instance, cover 170 is shaped to define a plurality of openings90. A corresponding plurality of keys 92 is associated with one of theplurality of openings of the cover. The keys and corresponding openingsmay be implemented using any of the techniques previously described.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and arenot to be construed as limiting the present invention. The presentteaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses andprocesses. The description of the present invention is intended to beillustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims. Manyalternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile device comprising: a cover formed fromoptically transmissive material; opaque material formed over a portionof the optically transmissive material of the cover, the opaque materialbeing arranged to define (i) a display region which is opticallytransmissive and (ii) an optically transmissive input region, whereinthe optically transmissive input region is formed to define at least oneof a character, symbol, or number; a frame to receive the cover; aninput element, wherein the input element is positioned relative to afirst side of the cover and wherein the input element corresponds to theoptically transmissive input region; and a display positioned relativeto the same first side of the cover that corresponds to the displayregion.
 2. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the display is locatedunderneath or below the cover that corresponds to the display region. 3.The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the input element is locatedunderneath or below the cover that corresponds to the opticallytransmissive input region.
 4. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein theinput element is a touch sensor.
 5. The mobile device of claim 4,wherein the touch sensor is implemented as a touch pad.
 6. The mobiledevice of claim 4, wherein the touch sensor is a capacitance touchsensor.
 7. The mobile device of claim 4, wherein the touch sensor ispressure-sensitive.
 8. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the inputelement is a pressure-sensitive pattern disposed on the cover.
 9. Themobile device of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive element tocouple the cover to the frame.
 10. The mobile device of claim 9, whereinthe frame has a mounting surface.
 11. The mobile device of claim 10,wherein the mounting surface is positioned relative to the same firstside of the cover.
 12. The mobile device of claim 10, wherein theadhesive element is sized to approximate a surface area of the mountingsurface.
 13. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the frame materialcomprises at least polycarbonate.
 14. The mobile device of claim 1,wherein the frame material has substantial high impact strength andsubstantial heat resistance.
 15. The mobile device of claim 1, furthercomprising a light source positioned relative to a first side of theinput element and configured to illuminate the optically transmissiveinput region.
 16. The mobile device of claim 15, further comprising alight guide positioned relative to a first side of the light source andconfigured to guide light generated from the light source to theoptically transmissive input region.
 17. The mobile device of claim 1,wherein a speaker aperture is formed in the cover.
 18. The mobile deviceof claim 17, wherein the speaker aperture is positioned relative to anunderlying speaker.
 19. The mobile device of claim 17, wherein thedisplay region is positioned between the speaker aperture and theoptically transmissive input region.
 20. The mobile device of claim 17,wherein the frame has a mounting surface that is positioned relative tothe same first side of the cover, wherein the mounting surface has anopening positioned relative to the speaker aperture.
 21. The mobiledevice of claim 1, further comprising a housing coupled to the frame,wherein the cover, the frame, and the housing are structured to definean enclosure sized to contain a communication module for wirelesscommunication of the mobile device.